Posted On: July 23, 2024 by Community HealthCare System in: General News Provider story
Community HealthCare System is pleased to announce that Dr. Ben Harstine will join its medical staff this fall.
Dr. Harstine earned his bachelor of science in Public Health Nutrition from Kansas State University and attended medical school at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He completed his family medicine residency and family medicine obstetrics fellowship at Waco Family Medicine in Waco, Texas. He recently received both his family medicine and family medicine obstetrics board certifications.
Dr. Harstine said he always knew he had a strong desire to teach. In the years after college, while working in Manhattan, he realized he also wanted “to be in the trenches with folks discussing the events and on-goings of their daily lives.” “Medicine became a place where I could use a natural interest in the sciences and human well-being to do a little bit of both. I want to be an active listener and teach my patients the benefits of daily exercise and movement to improve overall health,” he said.
Merica Surdez, CHCS chief of provider and clinic operations, said Dr. Harstine is a welcome addition to the medical staff. He will work in Onaga, Centralia, and Corning.
“Dr. Harstine is a great fit for CHCS patients. He has interest in many clinical areas and a strong desire to listen and engage with his patients. He will bring those talents together to the benefit of the communities we serve,” Surdez said.
“We are so happy to have Dr. Harstine join our medical staff and Onaga community. His passion for rural medicine and his approach to empowering his patients to make healthier decisions will fit well with our CHCS values”, said CHCS CEO Kerry Herbine.
As a native Kansan, Dr. Harstine has always dreamed of living and serving a rural Kansas community. “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with CHCS as a medical student because my wife was from the area. I grew to love the hospital, staff, and community and I am glad to be joining an organization with such a long history of providing patient-centered care.”
In his spare time, Dr. Harstine enjoys spending time with his wife Emily and their three children, working outside, exercising, reading and cooking.
“Emily and I are excited to be back in rural Kansas, close to family, and are excited to make Onaga our home,” Dr. Harstine said.
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